Dolphins claim TE/FB Evan Rodriguez despite troublesome offseason

Rodriguez, a former Temple fullback, was Chicago's fourth-round pick in the 2012 draft. However, the Bears released him on Monday following his second alcohol related arrest this offseason.

His first arrest took place on Miami Beach, in March for resisting an officer without violence, and disorderly intoxication after a car in which he was a passenger was involved in a traffic incident. Those charges were eventually dropped.

Then Rodriguez got arrested by Illinois State Police on May 31 for driving under the influence, speeding and improper lane change. A police source told the Chicago Tribune that Rodriguez’s blood-alcohol level was 0.17, more than twice the legal limit.

Rodriguez appeared in 12 games as rookie with the Bears and started five, contributing four catches for 21 yards.

He'll likely be one of the 90 players the Dolphins take to training camp. To make room for him on the roster Miami must release a player.

The team needs help at tight end and fullback because of nagging injuries that could impact Dustin Keller, Charles Clay and undrafted fullback Ina Liaiana.

The Dolphins presently have five tight ends - Keller, Clay, Michael Egnew, Kyle Miller and rookie Dion Sims on the roster, and three fullbacks in Jorvorskie Lane, last year's starter, Liaiana and Rupert Bryan, a former Florida International University offensive linemen the Dolphins are working on converting to fullback.

The Dolphins also have Rutgers fullback Ryan D'Imperio in for a tryout during minicamp this week.